Time for people to choose rulers amongst themselves: CJ

Hyderabad, Jan 25 : The National Voters’ Day was celebrated amidst extravagant participation at Ravindra Bharathi here on Saturday.

Andhra Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Kalyan Jyoti Sengupta was the chief guest of the event, which was meant to celebrate the spirit of democracy, strengthen and create awareness of the citizens’ right i.e., the right to vote. Also there was a prize distribution ceremony for the winners of the elocution, quiz and other competitions that were organized by the State Election Commission.

Besides the Chief Justice, Chief Secretary Dr P.K. Mohanty, State Election Commissioner P. Ramakanth Reddy, Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwarlal, GHMC Commissioner Somesh Kumar, District Electoral Officer and GHMC Special Commissioner Navin Mittal have lit the lamp to mark the celebrations of 4th National Voters Day.

“Remember what the preamble says, ‘ We the people of…sovereign, socialist..’. It truly defines today’s celebrations. Rabindranath Tagore once said, we are the king, the subject and the god, as voters we will be setting our own destiny. It is time for the people to make a ruler amongst themselves,” the Chief Justice said in his address.

Ramakanth Reddy has administered the pledge with all the gathering and said that huge response has been received from the youth who have voluntarily participated in the programme. He appealed to all the voters of the state to cast their valuable vote. He also appealed to the youth who have crossed 18 years of age as on 01.01.2014 to enroll their names in the electoral rolls. He also clarified that there is no last date for enrolment, it will be a continuous process and requested the youth to get registered whenever they get their eligibility. He also said that to him it was a pleasure participating in an event which celebrates democracy. He then congratulated the electoral officials for their services and asked them to carry on forward in the same stride.

Addressing the gathering, Bhanwar Lal said, “It is because of the active participation of the various NGOs, civil societies and educational institutions, today our state has 68,000 polling booths where 6.24 crores voters will be able to cast their votes. Our state would surely stand testament to the other states and they will surely learn from us, he said. For the people who have still not enrolled they still have a chance to enroll themselves, he added. He further said that the main aim of National Voters Day is to create awareness amidst the people about their democratic rights. In last elections there was only 54% voter turnout and this time we are looking forward to seeing 90% voting”, the CEO anticipated.

“We are not only celebrating voters’ day but we are celebrating democracy.. we must be fearless voters.. every citizen must cast their vote.. on comparison to 2011 we have enrolled 16 crores new voters which is a 20 % hike.. we want them to know their rights and fight against the enemies of democracy like, corruption, communal forces and many mor… A voter must be free, fearless and transparent… but do ensure that you check your names to see if you have been properly enrolled,” Mohanty said.

Navin Mittal has proposed the vote of thanks. INN